A nap time retreat is just what I NEED! Usually I spend the whole time feeling guilty because I have so many things to do. This post really encouraged me to use that time to get re-energized and to rest. LOVE.

Take a Nap Time Retreat

Have you ever taken a nap time retreat? They’re pretty much the best thing ever. And you absolutely, positively deserve one.

It feels like it was just yesterday when my baby would finally fall asleep for her nap, and I’d be left with a feeling of frantic excitement . . .What should I DO while she slept?

I knew I probably should sleep too since I earned an F in getting her into a luxurious sleep routine. But I always felt this pressure to do something more than plop down on my bed. So I would make a list:

Exercise
Shower
Get Ready
Straighten House
Dishes
Write a Blog Post
Photograph a Craft (for blog)
Read
(and on and on and on)

Now for those of you who are Mamas, you’re probably chuckling. Isn’t that so cute how I thought I could do all of that in an hour (or two, depending?) The truth is, what often happened was I would do a few things on The List and then realize I was exhausted and really needed to sleep. I’d curl up in my bed and . . . you know what happens next. My baby would wake up.

(She had a sixth sense about me resting. No sirree, mommy!)

It wasn’t until late in the game with her that I realized that although getting things done were a great and fine way to spend a nap time, what I REALLY needed was a Nap Time Retreat. Otherwise known as me-time.

Before I dive into some ideas of what to do on a nap time retreat, I want to say that you don’t have to take one of these every single day. Unfortunately, the dishes do need to be done. But please do treat yourself to these as much as you can. You deserve it.

Prepping for Your Nap Time Retreat

I was going to call these “Nap Time Retreat Rules” but then realized that there are many of us (ahem) who immediately want to do the opposite if we sense someone bossing us around. So these are just ideas. Run with them and adapt them to what you need.

Before your sweet little munchkin goes down for a nap, get your retreat gear in order:

And here’s the KEY . . .

Choose ONE activity. Only one.

I know it’s hard. I always wanted to do all the things or nothing at all. I still have this tendency. But for your sanity and to make this a real retreat where you feel refreshed and energized at the end of it . . . choose one thing.

This activity has to be something you want to do.

It could be:

By the way, this prep is vital to your success.

When your munchkin drifts off, you don’t want to be left running around trying to figure out what you should do. You’ll be able to immediately start your retreat, which is awesome.

The Nap Time Retreat Itself

This retreat, is simplicity at its best. Light a candle or put your favorite essential oil in the diffuser. Maybe put on some quiet music. Cozy up in your favorite chair, and do your thing.

The point is to relax, to let yourself pause, and to re-energize your body. It is so easy as women to go-go-go and to feel a constant pressure to do even more.

I mentioned above that I used to feel like I needed to post on my blog and take pictures of crafts during my baby’s nap times, and you guys. I didn’t even have this blog at the time. I was literally wanting to keep up with my personal blog that only my mom and a couple of friends read.

All of this internal pressure adds up, and we need a healthy place to let go every once in a while. Enter the nap time retreat.

This is a place of grace and rest. No guilt here. You’re allowed to do the “silly things” that are “time-wasters” such as knitting, coloring, and painting your nails. (Or whatever it is that you’ve convinced yourself is for other people, not for you.)

You’re allowed to read The Lord of the Rings for the 15th time (I mean, why wouldn’t you?!), and if a healthy snack sounds bleh because that’s all you eat these days, go ahead and eat the cookie. One cookie won’t kill you.

Also, if you’re absolutely exhausted, give yourself permission to lather up your feet with lotion, put on some cotton socks, and call that your pedicure. And then go take a nap.

And here’s another key: remind yourself that there will be more opportunities to take these retreats. Knowing this takes the pressure off, and it allows you to sink into the moment, rather than feeling a little frantic.

When your kiddo wakes up, she’ll be greeted with a mommy who has a smile on her face and most importantly, peace in her heart. And that’s good for everyone, right?

Please let me know in the comments that I’m not the only one who had an impossible Nap Time To Do List. It will make me feel better. 🙂

Hope you have a lovely {and creative} day!

P.S. You can find more personal retreat ideas and encouragement in my book . . .

Get your copy of The Creative Retreat book and start planning your first personalized retreat!

 


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14 responses to “Take a Nap Time Retreat”

  1. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    You are not the only one! I alternate between having an extra long list of things to accomplish and being unable to identify something to occupy myself. My kids are older (4 years and 3 years now still at home) so they aren’t actually sleeping (and are sleeping at night), but I have a hard time letting our afternoon rest time actually be restful for me! I’m looking forward to implementing this…maybe even coming up with a few alternate plans for different days!

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      Thank you, Emily! 🙂 I’m in that phase too—no more nap but still trying to make the best use of our afternoons. It’s funny how I can make that “restful” time be completely stressful for me. She’s resting and reading, and I’m running around trying to do all the things. But I’m learning, slowly but surely. 🙂 Hope you have a great day!

  2. Sue Avatar
    Sue

    My family make fun of me because of my love of naps, but a short nap is rejuvenating. And now that mosr of my kids are grown, i try to allocate a couple of hours every weekend to do things i love, not have to do. Color, read, puzzles. I have to remind myself all the time: be deliberate with my time, not rushing from one chore to another.

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      I agree—short naps are awesome! And yes to being deliberate with our time; I do the same thing with go-go-going and then realize the weekend is gone. 🙁 I appreciate your thoughts on this! Hope you have a great day!

  3. Kileen Avatar

    I haven’t had this problem in years since all my kids are middle school and older but I always took a 20-minute nap as soon as they were down. It was just enough to refresh me and I could usually still get a small task done before they were up. By task, I mean something I wanted to do, not something I had to do. Thank you for sharing at Link It Up Wednesday!

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      I like how you did something you wanted to do, Kileen. That’s so important. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

  4. Kortney Avatar

    Such very fine advice. Naptimes for me look like a short rest, then quiet for paid work. But I love the idea of using a day or two each week for my own creative pursuits. Peace keep you!

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      Yes, it’s really nice to have that specific “me-time” for creative activities. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

  5. Theresa @DearCreatives Avatar

    Although there is no designated nap times any more at my house. Me time is so important & taking time out to regroup so to speak. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Party. Pinned & shared.

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      Yes to me time, Theresa! 🙂 That’s what our nap time has become too. 🙂 Hope you have a great Friday!

  6. Michelle Avatar

    Isn’t it funny how we always forget to give ourselves time to be “me”. I love your idea of a nap time retreat Jennie. Those precious moments are the ones that get you through a rushed day.

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      Yes, I agree, Michelle! Those are my refueling times. 🙂

  7. Maggie Avatar

    Wow, how is this so relatable to me? I’m certainly not a Mama yet, but I constantly feel exhausted and like I need to do more and do better. And honestly…well, I want to say I DO. My mom told me today that she thinks I’m doing well at life, and it was hard to believe. Anyway, I think I need one o’ these. 🙂

    1. Jennie Avatar
      Jennie

      Maggie, I think you’re doing well at life, and we’ve never met! 🙂 I don’t think there’s any shame in crashing for a nap or a taking a short mini-retreat if you’re in high school or college. I had so much going on in those days that I needed the rest! Hope you’re doing well. 🙂

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